Looking Back, and Forward

You may remember when Jacob and I were a part of a small team from Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church that ventured to Sofia, Bulgaria. We were supporting our friends and missionaries, who are apart of Mission to the World, with their annual Summer English Camp in the Rhodope Mountains. The Summer English Camp was birthed out of one of the primary ministry efforts in Sofia called “English Coffee & Conversations” which helps with English skills, forms relationships and teaches God’s word to Bulgarians.

The focus of this short-term mission trip was for Bulgarian students to sharpen their English skills while building relationships with native speakers. The week was full of classes, games, hikes, shared meals, dance parties to Bulgarian techno music called ‘Chalga’ and traditional folk music (see YouTube for ‘Bulgarian horo dance’) as well as nightly gospel presentations and Bible teaching with small group sessions to follow. The week engraved itself into our memory with each day.

By the time we returned from camp in the Rhodope’s to Sofia, our hearts were gripped. The post-communist architecture against the backdrop of the Balkan Mountains and Roma gypsy camps settled between apartment blocks painted the scene of our stay there. Relationships with Bulgarians developed with ease, we melded into the unpretentious culture, and the ministry efforts of Mission to the World were pricking our hearts.

Fast forward 6 years, two babies, one Bachelor degree and one current Reformed Theological Seminary student later, and you will find us with our hearts still gripped and pricked by Bulgaria, and the spread of the gospel in Sofia.

We are currently in the early stages of pursuing long-term mission work in Sofia, Bulgaria through Mission to the World. And Lord willing, are set to revisit Sofia and the MTW team this June 3-13 to see how the Lord might use us to fulfill His plan with His people.

Since our last visit, a community of faith, called New Life Church, has been established. English Coffee & Conversations continues to grow. And other ministries like Sofia Christian Academy, which educates missionary kids, Daughters of Bulgaria, an evangelical co-operative outreach for women caught in prostitution and Rose Garden Project, a safe haven home for women seeking redemption from the bonds of trafficking to freedom in Christ are areas we will have the opportunity learn more about.

http://www.mtwbg.com/

We are asking you to co-labor with us and sow into this harvest both prayerfully and financially. Pray for safety, wisdom and unity as well as the rigorous season we are in pursuing long term mission work. Additionally, we need to raise $5000 which includes airfare and accommodations for Suzanne, Ruby (3 mo.) and myself. We are humbled that you would read this letter and consider supporting us.

Please reply back to us at suzandjacobwebb@gmail.com if you would like to continue to receive prayer and ministry updates. If you can assist with support, please give online through our local church Carriage Lane Presbyterian, PCA.

To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!